Martin Luther King Jr. Day - 2010

We celebrate what would've been Martin Luther King Jr.'s 81st birthday today (actual birthday was Friday, January 15th) with programs all over the country to recognize the great civil rights leader. Surely King would be ecstatic that we have our first African American President in Barack Obama, but conversely King surely would be saddened by the continued impoverished plight of many African Americans.

In many ways we continue to be our worst enemies, by not taking advantage of educational opportunities and succumbing to the lure of drugs and crime. We continue to have an underclass that will continue for generations unless a stronger fortitude can be found by our people. The progress that has been made by African Americans has been monumental, but the surviving underclass places a massive blight on any positive accomplishments.

Congrats To Mo'Nique!

Congratulations to comedian/actress Mo'Nique for her win in the Best Supporting Actress category last night at the Golden Globes Awards. Mo'Nique won for her haunting portrayal of an impoverished mother in the movie "Precious." This win bodes well for Mo'Nique's chances for a possible Oscar nomination and win.

Is It Possible Marvin Harrison Couldn't Escape His Demons?

Imagine being one of the greatest wide receivers in the NFL, and destined for the Hall of Fame based on your football achievements, but your family lineage just took over your soul and leads you down a life of crime similar to your father and half brothers. We could be talking about just about anyone in the NFL who came from humble beginnings, but took advantage of God given talent to make a success of himself. Former NFL wide receiver Marvin Harrison meets that description as he used his athletic talent to rise to the top level of NFL wide receivers.

Harrison's life turned upside down on April 29, 2008 in his old North Philadelphia neighborhood when he allegedly got into a shootout with an old neighborhood nemesis. Long story short, Harrison has never been charged, but casings from the scene match a gun he admitted to owning. The Philadelphia DA at the time did not file charges, but everyone is lurking now with this excellent GQ article going into even more detail regarding the incident and the fact that the nemesis was eventually gunned down in his car.

Word came yesterday that the FBI is now looking into the Harrison incident. I'm not sure how all of this is going to end, but if it ends badly for Harrison, it will be due to him not being able to leave the old neighborhood and escape his demons.

The Haiti Tragedy and Crazy Comments!

I have to admit that it's difficult to watch the coverage of the Haiti earthquake without feeling a personal sense of loss. It's even more difficult to hear people like Pat Robertson make an asinine statement that the Haitians "swore a pact with the devil" in order to be free from the French which resulted in this earthquake occurring. Some people in our world are truly delusional.

Teddy Pendergrass Gone!

I was absolutely shocked to learn that R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass had died last night in a Philadelphia suburban hospital at 59. According to his son, Teddy had been suffering from colon cancer. Little did I know that when I was listening to "Love TKO" last night that Teddy may have been breathing his last breaths of life. Teddy P. was born in my hometown of Philly, and simply had one of the classic voices of all time. His career nearly slowed to a halt after he suffered a near fatal car accident in 1982 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Teddy started out as the lead singer of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, and his lead vocals can be heard on the signature song "Wake Up Everybody" a song that still resonates today as an anthem for black people.

Teddy Pendergrass leaves a legacy that will probably become bigger in his death. His name belongs right at the top of the Mount Rushmore of R&B male singers.

David Paterson's 15 Year-Old Son Arrested For Playing Dice!

The New York Post reports that New York Governor David Paterson's 15 year-old son Alex was arrested for playing dice with friends outside of his high school yesterday in New York. Alex was also in possession of lost debit card, which he says that he found in a garbage can. The charges are not considered to be criminal, and will be purged from the younger Paterson's record when he is 17.

Obama Playing Serious Politics With Harold Ford!

I really can't wait to read the new political book "Game Change" regarding the 2008 Presidential election. Excerpts have floated out enough to cause a few problems for Harry Reid, and let all of us know how truly dirty politics can be. I guess in deciding to move to New York 3 years ago, former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford probably thought that he had a friend in President Obama if he ever decided to pursue another run at political office. Ford, who has floated the idea of running for Hillary Clinton's former Senate seat in New York apparently is being rebuffed by the White House, and being told thanks but no thanks because we're cool with Kirsten Gillibrand, who presently occupies the seat.

I guess when Ford was supporting Obama for President, he thought that the gesture would be reciprocated. Too bad he was wrong, but personally I hope Ford pursues the seat if that's his goal. Thanks to the New York Daily News for the update.

Derek Jeter Coming Off The Market?

If reports are correct, it appears that "Friday Night Lights" actress Minka Kelly is the one who has stolen New York Yankees star Derek Jeter's heart. Jeter and Kelly are reported to be getting married on November 5th. Jeter, now 35, has been one of the most eligible bachelors in sports for years. Congrats to the two if the reports of the pending nuptials are true.

Did Crittenton Load and Cock His Own Gun?

Yesterday NBA Commissioner David Stern justifiably suspended Gilbert Arenas indefinitely for bringing guns into his workplace as a member of the Washington Wizards. The other party in the story Javaris Crittenton is alleged to have loaded and cocked a gun during his confrontation with Arenas in the locker room after Arenas allegedly laid a set of guns on a table and "playfully" told Crittenton to pick one. Mark Wise writing for BulletsForever.com states that Crittenton loaded and cocked his own gun in retaliation to Arenas' plea. If this is indeed true, then it's a wrap for Crittenton. A suspension will not be enough and his career will be over.

Arenas, who is probably at the least suspended for the remainder of the NBA season, is facing the loss of the remaining $80 million of his contract if he's charged and convicted of gun charges. It's crazy seeing 2 young millionaires potentially losing their careers for allegedly betting in a card game. Money definitely doesn't buy brains.

Jayson Williams, Not Tiger Is Biggest Downfall!

Tiger Woods hasn't been seen in public since his November accident that sent his reputation into a downward spiral. One would assume that Tiger is at least somewhere working on his putting stroke while media outlets continue to rehash the same old stories, and guessing on his whereabouts and how much money Elin will be getting in the divorce settlement. Former basketball star Jayson Williams, who once had one of those multi million dollar guaranteed contracts, and was even a NBA commentator upon his retirement due to injury had his second bout with death yesterday in New York. Williams, who it seems has pretty much lost all will to live ran his vehicle into a tree yesterday in New York, fracturing his neck. Williams, who was drinking at the time even told officers that he wasn't driving the vehicle as witnesses saw him slide into the passengers seat.

Williams' made a ton of mistakes leading up to yesterday's latest episode, the main one being shooting a limo driver in 2002 and attempting to cover it up. Whatever issues Tiger Woods may have he appears to be dealing with them in his own way outside of the limelight. Jayson Williams apparently craves for the attention that he once had, and it appears that his story is going to end sadly and tragically.

Singin' For The Money!

I guess just having money brings all sorts of people together regardless of past behaviors. Money has to be the overriding constant as Page Six reports that Beyonce' performed at a New Years Eve Party held by Moammar Khadafy's son Hannibal, and attended by the likes of Jay-Z, Usher and Lindsay Lohan. The fact that Beyonce' reportedly was paid upwards of $1 million obviously had something to do with her performing, but Hannibal has quite an interesting past if reports are true.

A week earlier on Christmas Day, Hannibal allegedly attacked his wife at a London hotel, breaking her nose. He also has other violent transgressions in his past which has to make one wonder why are people hanging with this guy and taking his money for performances. It has to be the money, and hopefully it's worth it.

The Fall of Dominic Carter!

Dominic Carter was once on the top of the world as a political reporter for NY1 until his life changed forever on October 22, 2008 when he and his wife Marilyn got into a disagreement at their home over medical care for their son. One thing lead to another and Marilyn called 911 stating that Dominic hit her several times in the face and all over her body. That call set Dominic's world into a downward spiral. Over a year after the incident, November 20, 2009, Dominic was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and now faces 3 months in prison. He also lost his job at the television station and possibly faces losing the family home.

Carter, who is 45 is trying to put his life back together, but having a criminal record may make that difficult. Perhaps he should place a call to Kwame Kilpatrick. Thanks to the New York Post for the update.

Obama Needed To End Vacation!

While it's true that everyone needs a vacation, even President Obama, after the near disaster of Christmas in which a young terrorist nearly took down a plane near Detroit, our President should've cut short his vacation in Hawaii. President Obama rightly stated yesterday in his second briefing in 2 days that the system failed in not targeting Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab as a potential terrorist. He's now set Thursday as a deadline for answers to how the system failed, but waiting nearly 3 days to respond to the near disaster and not leaving the family on vacation, and perhaps returning later is the real failure. Having talking heads making preposterous statements such as Janet Napolitano just isn't a good look Mr. President.

Asleep On Prison Job!

Nadja Green is a corrections officer at Rikers Island, and unfortunately for her she was photographed while sleeping on the job. The picture was sent to the New York Post for the world to see. Green has been disciplined for her inaction, but the picture has to cause major alarm when in the picture an inmate is clearly standing over Green. Green apparently has worked 90 hours of overtime this month, but she may need to cut back on her hours for her own safety.

Abdulmutallab's Father Tried To Warn Us!

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's father went to the United States Embassy last month regarding the "radicalization" of his son. The concern went on deaf ears and Umar's name was placed in a database. This past Friday, Umar attempted to blow up a passenger plane in Detroit that simply would have been disastrous for the passengers on the plane and our country. The attempt to blow up the plane is rightfully considered a terrorist attack, and has immediately called into question security measures at our airports.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is only 23 and a native of Nigeria, who hails from a prominent family. What would make a young man essentially end his life in an attempt to blow up a plane?

Did Mary J. Give Kendu The Beat Down?

In the year that is turning into the hubby beat down year, Mary J. Blige allegedly gave husband Kendu a hard enough punch in the face to draw blood after he reportedly was seen flirting with a waitress on Tuesday night at an album listening party according to Page 6 of the New York Post. Jay-Z, and Beyonce' were in attendance when the beat down took place. Mary's reps are denying trouble in paradise, but Mary J. Blige handled her business as only Mary J. can handle it.

Former Philly Cop Allegedly Abuses Girl For 8 Years!

Tyrone Wiggins was a Philadelphia Police Officer for 23 years. He's being accused of sexually abusing a 12 year-old girl beginning in 1997 for 8 years. His alleged behaviour came to the attention of police in 2007, however, he wasn't arrested until Nov. 19 a day after he retired according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey rationalizes the lack of disclosure as a simple oversight. On the surface it appears that Wiggins was allowed to continue working until he possibly qualified for retirement benefits. Wiggins was also a karate teacher at a local recreation center where he first met the young girl in 1995, and continued to work with children. The center wasn't even notified until a newspaper reporter contacted them. This is a deplorable story that smells all over, and heads at the department need to roll on this one.

Mary J. Blige Back With 9th Studio Album!

Mary J. Blige releases her 9th studio album this week titled "Stronger With Each Tear." Two singles have already been released from the album, "The One" and "I Am." While both singles are infectious, they haven't made any headway on the charts. Mary J. Blige is arguably the most consistent female R&B singer of her generation, so I'm sure that album sales will do just fine as Mary has always been known for the quality of her albums over the success of her individual singles.

R.I.P. Alaina Reed Hall-Tamini!

Sad news started to hit the net yesterday when it was announced that Alaina Reed Hall-Tamini who played Rose on the television sitcom "227" had passed away on December 17th. She was 63. Hall-Tamini's character, and the show itself are both underrated in the history of television. Prayers go out to her family.

Did Chris Henry Have A Death Wish?

A witness to the initial stages of Chris Henry jumping onto the yellow pick up truck that ultimately set in motion events that led to his death stated that Henry was banging on the truck and threatened to jump off if fiance Loleini Tonga didn't stop the truck as she sped from her parents home in Charlotte, NC according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. It appeared that Henry had escaped his previous demons, but obviously something went awry for him on Wednesday, and sadly his 3 children are now fatherless.

Chris Henry Suffering from Life Threatening Injuries!

Depending on what report you heard last night, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry was either on life support or deceased after falling out of a truck in what is being described as a domestic situation with his fiance Loleini Tonga in Charlotte, NC. As of this morning, Henry is s still alive. Only 26, Henry has had an up and down professional career with various brushes with the law including a DUI arrest. Henry's season was ended after he fractured his left forearm in November.

This is just a sad story all the way around as Henry and his fiance were planning to be married in March. While the prognosis doesn't appear to be good for him, prayers have to go out to his family that perhaps a miracle can happen.

Asian Student at South Philly High End Boycott!

Asian students ended their boycott amid the racial tension at South Philadelphia High School yesterday after meeting again with School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman in the Chinatown area of the city according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 25 of the original 50 boycotters were remaining out of school since the Dec. 3 incident in which a number of Asian students were beaten by African American students. While Ackerman has come under fire from Asian groups she does have the support of Philly Mayor Michael Nutter.

It's amazing that it took 2 weeks to settle this dispute. Ackerman should have been on top of the issue on Dec. 4, and Nutter as the mayor needs to get involved in any way possible to settle racial disputes with teenagers.

Rihanna's Naked GQ Cover!

With a struggling new cd, I guess Rihanna doesn't have anything better to do than pose topless for GQ Magazine. I guess she thinks that this keeps her relevant, but does it really. Rihanna needs to focus on putting out hits. It's a shame when artists feel that they can give the public any kind of crappy music.

Tiger Count Up to 14!

The Tiger count is now up to 14 with Theresa Rogers emerging as the oldest (late 40s) and perhaps longest standing companion according to Radar Online. Rogers is also being represented by attorney Gloria Allred which indicates that a payoff may be in order. On a positive note, Nike's CEO Phil Knight has committed to Tiger stating that the media is making a "big deal" of Tiger's indiscretions and that this episode will be a "minor blip" in Tiger's biography. I suspect that Knight is correct in his assessment, but Tiger will need to get over his obvious embarrassment and face the public at some point.

Tiger Takes Leave & Loses Accenture!

Tiger Woods announced Friday that he's taking an indefinite leave of absence from golf due to his infidelity, and yesterday he officially lost his first sponsor in Accenture. Woods still hasn't been seen in public since his accident, but I'm sure that he's hoping that over time the public will be less concerned with his personal life. Taking a sabbatical will be the best thing for Tiger as time heals things, and the golf world will be anxious for his return, whenever that will be.